Students across the region compete in SMUD’s Emerging Leaders Energy Summit

Students across the region compete in SMUD's Emerging Leaders Energy Summit

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -On Saturday, Jan. 17, students from across the region gathered at the Aerospace Museum of California for SMUD's Emerging Leaders Energy Summit. Students showcased community service projects focused on this year's theme, Fueling the Future - Where Food Meets Energy. Their work highlighted the connection between sustainability efforts in energy and food.

The summit gave students a chance to share how they plan to make a real impact in their communities around climate change and sustainability. After months of developing their projects, students presented posters and ideas to judges-in hopes of winning a scholarship.

This event wrapped up a journey that started last September, when students spent three days learning from experts about the links between food, energy and climate change - insights that fueled their projects and passion.

"We're proud to support these emerging leaders," said SMUD Chief Diversity Officer Jose Bodipo-Memba. "They're learning about the challenges of climate change and taking real action in their communities to build a cleaner, more sustainable future. It's exciting to see the next generation lead the way."

The competition was fierce as teams went head-to-head for $2,000 scholarships. Winners included teams from:

• JAM, Vista del Lago High School
• EcoVisionaries, Folsom High School & Vista del Lago High School
• Verdant Volt, Consumnes Oaks High School
• Team Lorax, NP3 High School
• Next Gen Innovators, Sacramento State
• Lafobo Group Inc., Sacramento City College
• Saviors, Sacramento City College School

About SMUD

As the nation's sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for more than 75 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. In 2024, SMUD's power supply was about 62% carbon free, which is largely influenced by the weather and amount of hydroelectricity produced. SMUD's goal is to completely eliminate carbon in its electricity production by 2030 while maintaining reliability and keeping rates among the lowest in California - on average, 50% lower than its neighboring, investor-owned utility. For more information on SMUD's Zero Carbon Planand its customer programs, visit smud.org.